We recently lost a pillar in Rutland’s Southwest section when my good friend Mary Anzalone lost her battle with cancer.

So many will remember Mary’s wide and infectious smile. She warmly greeted everyone at the American Legion polls. She was an avid fan of Mount St. Joseph sports and worked tirelessly in MSJ development and at bingo.

I will always remember Mary Anzalone for her pride of community and especially Rutland’s Italian-American heritage. She could often be found at Saint Peter’s Church and concerning herself with the people and issues affecting her Forest Street neighborhood where she lived her entire life. Like so many whose ancestors traveled from faraway Italy over the years, Mary Anzalone and her neighbors helped forge the proud Rutland City we all call home. Rutland smiles today because of you and so many others who have contributed to making this a community of people and ideas welcoming to everyone.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Rutland Italian-American Club. I and other Rutland City and Town state representatives this year sponsored a General Assembly resolution honoring this Rutland City landmark. I wish to dedicate this honor to Mary Anzalone and to all those members of our community with Italian heritage.